America`s Cup Facts, Figures

What--The America`s Cup, the most prestigious of international yacht races, held every four years. Between 1870 and 1980, the New York Yacht Club successfully defended the Cup 24 consecutive times.

When--The elimination trials begin sometime in October, 1986, and must end by Jan. 25, 1987. The trials winner will race the Australian defender in a seven-race series beginning Jan. 31, 1987.

Where--In the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Western Australia. The Cup course will be between Rottnest Island and Scarborough Beach, eight miles from the town of Freemantle, Australia. The 12-meter yachts will be docked in Freemantle, but many of the 1 million visitors will stay in the larger city of Perth, with a population of 900,000.

Who--Approximately 12 to 14 yachts, depending on how many challengers are accepted and then how many drop out before the race when their bank accounts run dry. All the yachts are 12-meters, which refers to a design and not a size. The yachts actually are 62 to 66 feet long. Boats must fit a 12-meter formula that takes into account length, sail area, displacement and several other detail elements.

The 1983 series--The Royal Perth Yacht Club`s Australia II beat the New York Yacht Club`s Liberty in the seventh and final race of the series. The matches had never been forced into the seventh race until 1983.